Last week, I had no comment on the subject of the 500 West right-of-way dispute involving my family’s property, but after reading the city’s statements in last week’s Times-Independent, I would now like to correct some misleading statements.

I never questioned the city’s right to the roadway, only the right to widen the road and claim a very wide right-of-way without payment. This dispute has been ongoing for several years.

Originally, I told the city I would probably give them the right of way, IF they would make some changes to the plans. They refused.

After dragging me through the mud for months and costing me several thousand dollars on another issue, for no reason except they could, I informed them I wanted my $20,000 back from the city for the right-of-way. Instead, the city chose to go to court.

Mr. McAnany is right that the court granted the city’s motion, but only, I believe, because my attorney did not do his job. (He also did not get paid.)

The Moab City Manager stated that the city got the easements at no cost to the city. I believe the city paid 20-some thousand in attorney fees, several thousand to a Vernal engineering firm, plus all the time spent by city staff along with a few years of delay in construction.

Only a government employee can consider spending 30-some thousand dollars, to avoid paying $20,000, a win.

We're glad to give readers a forum to express their points of view on issues important to this community. That forum is the “Letters to the Editor.” Letters to the editor may be submitted directly to The Times-Independent through this link and will be published in the print edition of the newspaper. All letters must be the original work of the letter writer – form letters will not be accepted. All letters must include the actual first and last name of the letter writer, the writer’s address, city and state and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

Letters may not exceed 400 words in length, must be regarding issues of general interest to the community, and may not include personal attacks, offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or attacks on personal or religious beliefs. Letters should focus on a single issue. Letters that proselytize or focus on theological debates will not be published. During political campaigns, The Times-Independent will not publish letters supporting or opposing any local candidate. Thank you letters are generally not accepted for publication unless the letter has a public purpose. Thank you letters dealing with private matters that compliment or complain about a business or individual will not be published. Nor will letters listing the names of individuals and/or businesses that supported a cause or event. Thank you letters about good Samaritan acts will be considered at the discretion of the newspaper.